Life before Girton
I grew up and completed most of my schooling in Canberra before spending my gap year working at a school in England. I then moved to Melbourne to complete both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne. I worked at Princes Hill Secondary College in Melbourne for 5 years teaching Maths and Humanities as well as being the Year 8 Coordinator before making the move to beautiful Bendigo.
What I Love about Teaching
Easily the best thing about teaching is working with young people; they are refreshingly honest, funny, engaging, and interesting. For me teaching means there is never a dull moment and always something to laugh about! I also love that teaching has enabled me to be a lifelong learner, learning both with and from my students.
What do you like best about the subject/s you teach?
There is nothing like the lightbulb moment when a student who has been struggling with a Maths concept finally understands it. I love helping students who claim to “hate Maths” because they’re “rubbish at it” discover the joys of Maths and understand that everyone can be “good” at Maths. I enjoy sharing my love of Maths and helping to spark enthusiasm for the subject in others.
What difference can good teaching make?
The most important thing a teacher can do for a student is to help inspire a lifelong love of learning and challenging oneself. A good teacher will make a student feel comfortable to make mistakes which is the most instrumental aspect of deep learning. Good teaching means students feel safe and positively regarded in the school context which enables them to discover the joys of learning.
Other Hats
Outside of work I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising, playing the piano, gardening and socialising with family and friends. I also have a keen interest in sustainability and am working on reducing my waste and carbon footprint.
